Collingwood have turned to forgotten big man Nathan Kreuger for the King’s Birthday clash against Melbourne.
Kreuger hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 7 last year and it will be just the 10th game of his career.
The 24-year-old has been recalled in place of forward Ash Johnson, who was axed after managing just four disposals against the Western Bulldogs.
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Kreuger has battled a succession of injuries since crossing from Geelong at the end of 2022, adding just seven AFL games to the two he played with the Cats.
Versatile veteran Will Hoskin-Elliott also returns, while Wil Parker has been omitted.
The Demons have dropped three players after last week’s heavy loss to Fremantle with Adam Tomlinson, Shane McAdam and Taj Woewodin all axed.
Experienced wingman Lachie Hunter (calf) is also out through injury, while young key forward Jacob van Rooyen returns for Monday’s MCG showdown after serving a two-match ban for striking.
Jack Billings, Bailey Laurie and Blake Howes have been recalled for Melbourne, who have slipped out of the top eight after losing three of their past four matches.
Collingwood v Melbourne at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
COLLINGWOOD
In: W.Hoskin-Elliott, N.KreugerOut: A.Johnson (omitted), W.Parker (omitted)
Last week’s sub: Wil Parker
MELBOURNE
In: J.van Rooyen, J.Billings, B.Laurie, B.HowesOut: A.Tomlinson (omitted), L.Hunter (calf), T.Woewodin (omitted), S.McAdam (omitted)
Last week’s sub: Taj Woewodin
– with AAP